AM: (8 miles, 1:12:05). Baby steps -- it looks like baby steps, but 40 seconds faster than earlier this month ... effort is very easy (65-70% effort), legs feel good. I am feeling more optimistic than I have in 6 months! yea! PM: easy 4. I finally feel ready to make new running goals! We are heading up to Flagstaff next week (for "someones" 50th birthday) and I plan to meet with Greg and schedule my training for the next 6 months or so. I feel like I have a solid base now, maybe one more month of prep before I hit the track, but I feel like I can handle some training stress. Goal: get elite status at the Woodlands marathon (last year I missed this by 31 secs, cut-off for 40-49 year olds was 1:34:00, and I had a 1:34:31) -- now that I am 50 the cut-off is a 1:42:00 1/2. I am talking to the race director now, trying to figure out whether they will use my race from last year, or if I need to "qualify" again before then. It is ok, either way. I do need to run some races as a check of my fitness level, but there are some fun ones that I want to do (like the "Chocolate 15K") - but if I have to run a 1/2, I will need to choose a slightly different set of races. ANYWAY -- all I want is an elite start (and good porta potty access), and if they comp my race fee it would just be gravy. My goal is to win $$ at this race ... if I can just get into the same shape I was in last December I think this is an attainable goal - since I would have been smack dab in the middle of the masters winners. SO -- I probably won't know until I jump into some races, but I am ready to give it shot -- My goal for last year was a sub 3:20 marathon, and based on my half-marathon, I was on the way to be able to do that -- if my body co-operates, my goal is to try for it again this year!! There you have it. I hope your goals are working out, and I hope you are enjoying your weekend!!
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